Fundacja VeroliFoundation

Veroli at the International Conference in Iznik

On November 21, 2025, a unique conference took place in Iznik, bringing together scholars and history enthusiasts from around the world. The event was organized to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the upcoming visit of Pope Leo, which was scheduled for a week later. Among the invited guests was our Veroli Foundation, whose representatives actively participated in the conference.

Veroli Foundation during Pope Leo’s visit to Iznik

On November 28th, our Veroli Foundation had the extraordinary pleasure of participating in a historic event – the visit of Pope Leo to the basilica in Iznik. We were honored to witness this unique moment and also gave several interviews to Polish Radio, BBC, and Reuters about our ongoing archaeological research in Iznik. Our main goal is to find the imperial palace, which, according to sources, was the site of the famous Council of Nicaea.

NICAEA325 Project – Archaeological Report

VEROLI FOUNDATION ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

What happened 1,700 years ago in Nicaea – an interview with Prof. Henryk Pietras, PhD, SJ

On November 28, 2025, Pope Leo arrives in Iznik —a small Turkish town that centuries ago was known as Nicaea. Why there, exactly? What makes the eyes of the entire Christian world turn that day to a place that many of us know little about? Exactly 1,700 years ago, at the initiative of Emperor Constantine the Great, something happened here that forever changed the history of the Church and Europe. What was the mysterious First Nicaea? What secrets does this ancient city hold? What do we know…

Shobak Castle: A Forgotten Sentinel of the Crusades

Shobak Castle , known historically as Montreal , stands as a lonely yet evocative monument to the age of the Crusades in southern Jordan. Perched on a dramatic hilltop overlooking the wide plains of Edom, this 12th-century fortress was the first Crusader castle built east of the Jordan River. Though often overshadowed by its more famous sister, Karak Castle, Shobak played a vital strategic and symbolic role during the tumultuous era of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

What do we know about the site of Jesus’ baptism?

The site traditionally identified as the location of Jesus’ baptism is known as Al-Maghtas, which is situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River in modern-day Jordan. This area has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is believed to be the biblical site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, an event described in the Gospels (Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22).